Monday, May 23, 2016

Ecology - Wetlands Scavenger Hunt #2

As I mentioned in the first wetlands scavenger hunt post, I wanted to visit more than one wetland area. This is because each wetland location will have similarities and differences with the other locations. It's important to recognize things such as every time you see cattails or rushes, you know they are in water (or super soggy soil frequented by water). Children will note that wetlands are always full of birds, but the bird species will vary somewhat due to migratory patterns, food preferences and sources, and so on. For instance, you will almost always see and hear red-winged blackbirds, but pelicans will not be at every wetland location. Also, variances of visible wildlife arise due to the time of day of the visit, the size of the body of water, the current (or lack thereof), the weather, the noise of the kids, the thickness of vegetation and accessibility of habitat areas, etc.

Here are some of my favorite photos from our second wetlands scavenger hunt.


Water Strider, also known as Water Skipper, Pond Skater, and Jesus Bug

Brown Damselfly

Longleaf Phlox

Blue-Headed Mallard Drakes feeding on algae.

Minnows

Brown-Headed Cowbird

American Coot

Blue Damselfly on Algae




FIVE Double-Crested Cormorants

Double-Crested Cormorants swimming

American Coot with 3 babies (left), Double-Crested Cormorant (right)

Female Red-Winged Blackbird

1-year Juvenile Male Red-Winged Blackbird

(another) Blue Damselfly


Cute Boy exploring nature.

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